2018 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · AT12 PUB

The most recent MOT on 27 April 2026 was passed, with only a minor windscreen damage comment and an advisory noting a nail in the nearside front tyre. Over the preceding five years the record shows a single major failure in April 2025 for excessive play in the nearside track‑rod end ball‑joint, followed by a clean pass in 2025 and a series of advisory items in 2024 and 2023. The fact that the vehicle cleared the MOT after the 2025 failure indicates that the ball‑joint fault was remedied, and the current trend is one of stabilising condition, with only routine wear items now being highlighted. At 83,546 miles the Sportage has averaged roughly 10,400 miles per year since its first registration in 2018, which sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for a family SUV of this age. There are no evident gaps in mileage that would suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, nor is there any indication of unusually high annual mileage that would accelerate wear on major components. Consequently the wear observed is consistent with its age and mileage rather than being driven by excessive use. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the front suspension. Verify that the nearside track‑rod end and associated ball‑joint are secure and free of play by applying firm pressure to the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions and listening for any clunk or feeling for looseness. Examine the steering rack for any binding and check the condition of the rubber bushes for cracking or excessive movement. The tyre advisory from the latest test highlights a nail in the nearside front tyre; ensure the tyre is either repaired to DVSA standards or replaced, and inspect all four tyres for uneven tread wear, sidewall cracking or bulges that could indicate alignment issues or ageing. The brake advisories from 2024 suggest the front pads and disc are approaching the end of their service life, while the rear pads are already thin; look for any shudder, pulsation or increased pedal travel during a test drive and be prepared for a brake pad and disc replacement in the near future. Finally, assess the windscreen for chips or cracks beyond the noted damage, as any compromise to structural integrity can affect safety and future replacement costs. Given the vehicle’s eight‑year age, a thorough check of time‑related items is prudent. Inspect the 12 V battery for signs of sulfation, low cranking power or swollen case, and consider a load test if the battery is more than three years old. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and free of contamination; fluids typically degrade after 24 months even if mileage is low, so a complete service may be warranted. Look for corrosion on chassis mounting points, especially around the suspension and brake components, and ensure that any rust is surface‑treated rather than structural. A full service book with regular oil changes, filter replacements and timing‑belt or chain inspections will give further confidence in the vehicle’s long‑term reliability.